Responsible Gaming

• Set a fixed budget before you start. Decide how much you can afford to lose without affecting your bills, savings, or family needs. Stick to this amount every session;
• Use deposit and loss limits on your account. Many legal sites in India allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits. Choose amounts that feel safe and sustainable for you;
• Decide your playing time in advance. Set a timer on your phone. End your session when time is up, even if you feel like continuing;
• Treat gambling as entertainment only. Do not view it as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems;
• Avoid chasing losses. If you lose money, do not increase your bets to try to win it back. Losses are part of gambling and can grow quickly;
• Keep money separate for gambling. Use a separate e-wallet or bank account for your gambling budget so daily expenses stay protected;
• Avoid gambling when stressed or upset. Strong emotions affect your decisions and can lead to higher risk behaviour;
• Do not mix gambling and alcohol or drugs. Substances can reduce your ability to stop on time or follow your limits;
• Take regular breaks. Short pauses help you think clearly and notice how much time and money you have spent;
• Review your gambling history. Check your transaction records from time to time. This gives a realistic picture of your spending and helps you adjust your limits.

• Spending more money than you planned. You regularly go over your gambling budget or need extra funds to continue playing;
• Chasing losses. You keep playing to recover money you have lost, even when this creates more pressure;
• Hiding gambling from family or friends. You lie about how much you play or how much you spend;
• Using gambling to escape problems. You gamble to forget worries, stress at work, studies, or relationship issues;
• Feeling restless when you try to cut down. You feel irritated or low when you cannot gamble;
• Borrowing money for gambling. You use loans, credit cards, or ask relatives and friends for money to fund your play or pay gambling debts;
• Neglecting responsibilities. Work, studies, family time, or household duties begin to suffer because you are gambling;
• Thinking about gambling all the time. You constantly plan your next session or think about previous wins and losses;
• Increasing bet size to feel the same excitement. You need higher stakes to get the same thrill you felt earlier;
• Feeling guilt or shame after gambling. You regret your behaviour but struggle to stop or reduce it.

If these signs feel familiar, it may be time to pause, adjust your habits, or seek professional support in India.

• You can request self-exclusion through the responsible gaming section of your gambling account or by contacting customer support;
• You choose a time frame, such as a few months, one year, or longer. During this period, you cannot log in, deposit, or place bets on that site;
• Casinos are expected to stop sending you promotional messages and offers once self-exclusion is active;
• Some payment methods or banks may also allow you to block gambling transactions, which strengthens your protection.

• You have tried to reduce your gambling, but you keep returning and overspending;
• You notice emotional distress after gambling, such as anxiety, regret, or tension at home;
• You feel you need a full break to reset your habits and focus on other parts of life.

Self-exclusion is not a punishment. It is a safety measure you can use to support your health, protect your finances, and create space to seek further help if needed.

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Bengaluru
  Offers clinics and counselling for addiction and mental health concerns, including behavioural addictions;
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) – New Delhi and other centres
  Provides psychiatric and de-addiction services. You can seek help through the psychiatry or addiction medicine departments;
• Government de-addiction centres (DACs)
  Operate under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. They mainly treat substance use disorders but may also guide you on behavioural addiction support in your region;
• State mental health institutes and medical colleges
  Many states run dedicated mental health facilities and psychiatry departments that offer counselling, therapy, and treatment for addiction-related issues;
• Private psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in your city
  Licensed professionals who provide confidential assessment and therapy for gambling addiction and related problems;
• Tele-counselling and online mental health services
  Several verified Indian platforms offer phone or video counselling in multiple languages, which can be helpful if you want support from home.

If you contact any service, mention that you are worried about gambling behaviour. This helps professionals suggest suitable therapy, family support, and financial counselling where available.